ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on best practices in K–5 classrooms and begins with a few words on the importance of culturally responsive leadership and how a leader's beliefs influence teaching and learning. When a leader's personal vision becomes collective, it provides direction to move the school's vision forward. It is thus the collaborative effort of a school leader, teachers, and the community that makes a successful and sustainable school climate culture. The chapter presents four culturally responsive practices: shared leadership, inclusive schools, caring, and communities. It discusses professional learning communities that promote leadership responsibility as a collective force to foster a culturally responsive learning community. Creating an inclusive environment builds a system of caring communities where the relationships among students, faculty, and the community are further strengthened as a single unit coming together for a common goal. There are two interdependent elements of caring communities: practices within the school community and practices outside the community.
